Yankees tour help sites, lend emotional support

Bernie Williams and his New York Yankees teammates walked anxiously into the armory in New York where people gathered for news of their loved ones missing after last week's terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center.

Unsure what to say to the grieving people, Williams was brought to one woman searching for a missing family member and said the only thing he could: "It looks like you need a hug."

The two embraced and the woman started crying.

"It was a very tough situation," Williams said yesterday. "It was one of those things I'll never forget."

Many Yankees took a tour of the city Saturday night, visiting the armory, a staging area for rescue workers, and a hospital where doctors were waiting to treat injured survivors who never came.

"I sort of feel a little more useful now," manager Joe Torre said. "That is the only way to describe it.

ATTACKS: Games will resume today, but for many players, the grieving and concern for the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks will continue on an intensely personal basis.Giants outfielder Marvin Benard awaits word on his cousin, New York police officer John Benard, who hasn't been heard from since the attack. Athletics general manager Billy Beane was a neighbor of Thomas Burnett, one of the passengers on the United Airlines flight that crashed in Pennsylvania.Tigers pitcher Jose Lima believes that two friends were killed at the World Trade Center. Mets manager Bobby Valentine is concerned about a friend, Chris Quackenbush, owner of an investment firm on the 104th floor of one of the World Trade Center towers."Chris is a dear friend and a longtime Mets season-ticket holder," Valentine said. "I took him to the All-Star Game in Seattle this year when I managed the National League. But I'm not giving up hope. He's 37, 38 years old, and in great shape. If they dig somebody out of the rubble six days from now, Chris would be that guy."

CARDINALS: Rookie left-hander Bud Smith, who pitched a no-hitter against the Padres on Sept. 3, returns to the mound as the major leagues resume action after a six-day layoff due to the terrorist attacks.Smith, who will face the Brewers on 13 days' rest, said he'll try his best to block out the somber situation."You're just going to have to," Smith said. After pre-game ceremonies, Smith said, "I'll just get back into my mind-set of getting outs, getting the wins."